As you may expect from a Spanish city, Salamanca has a main square (la Plaza Mayor) from which the major arteries of the city emanate. Just off of the square is the Central Market where you can find typical Spanish foods and goods. The square is most beautiful in the late evening as the golden lighting along the walls of the square turn on after the sun goes down - this is the best location for a glass of wine, a late dinner, or a cup of espresso. The square’s regality, size and continued importance to the city make it one of the most beautiful in Spain. Restaurants, pastry shops, internet cafes, bars and novelty stores are all available within the main and side walkways in the plaza. A full day in the plaza relaxing with coffee, watching los tunos (young musicians), and eating tapas after a hectic day of travel to the region’s vineyards and castles is a smart way to recoup energy to continue your adventures.
Salamanca is called the “golden city” because of the color of the sandstone walls that line the city streets. The sandstone was mined from a nearby quarry and is the source of much of the city’s building material. Walking through the streets and admiring the architecture can take half a day to admire, absorb and photograph. Like many cities in Spain and Western Europe, Salamanca has two large and magnificent cathedrals – the Old Cathedral from the 12th century and New Cathedral from the 16th – worth visiting to appreciate Middle Age architecture. Another architectural must-see is the Universidad de Salamanca (University of Salamanca) since it is the oldest university in Spain and fifth oldest western university. The school is a ten-minute walk from the main plaza.
Casa Lis is the Museum of Modern Art Nouveau and Art Deco and is one of the most popular museums in the region. The building’s windows, façade and ceiling are covered in detailed stained glass. The museum is located just south of the University, only a ten-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor. In addition, Salamanca can boast a host of palaces, including the Palacio de Monterrey.
The architecture alone is a feat to admire, but Salamanca also offers great shopping, food and nightlife to match. It is a popular tourist city because it offers the sites of a large city while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. Safety is not as much of a worry as some of its country’s other major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but do still watch out for pick-pocketers when in large crowds or when approached on the street.
Avenida de Campoamor 37
Trade Museum...
N-620 Km. 246
Popular Fairground...
Arroyo de Santo Domingo
Fine Contemporary Art...
Avenida de la Aldehuela s/n
Art Displays in Former Prison Cells...
47 Avenida Mirat
Let the show begin!...
Picadero
Whole day in the country...
10 Paseo de los Olivos
Activities and shows for everyone...
23 Paseo de Carmelitas
Delicious food for exclusive tastebuds...
Monte Zarapicos
Golf course & sports complex...
Plaza de San Antonio
Selling Traditional Spanish Nougat...
Avenida de la Alamedilla
Like fish in water...
20 Calle de la Correhuela
Stylish gifts...
6 Calle de Lorenzo Velasco
Yoga and psychotherapy centre...
15 Plaza España
Hand-made goods...
Calle Poeta Jesús Rasueros, nº 27-29
Well-Equipped for Adventure...
Calle de Joaquín Rodrigo
From water to the track...
Avenida San Agustín
Passion for sport...
20 Calle de Rua Mayor
Books, music and religious items...